If you suspect that you may have plantar fibromatosis, also known as ledderhose disease, you will want to learn as much as you can about it. To help you with this, you will want to take a few minutes to read through the following information.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of plantar fibromatosis can vary from one person to the next. Also, pain is not always present when this disease starts to develop. Some of the common symptoms that have been reported include hammer toes, pain in the feet when walking, problems straightening the foot out, plantar nodules, and discomfort or pain whenever anything touches the arch of the foot.

Causes And Prevention

In some cases, the development of plantar fibromatosis is not able to be avoided. Some of the things that can cause this condition include problems with the thyroid and liver, having diabetes or alcoholism, or having a family history of these issues. Certain medications and overuse of your feet for long stretches of time can also cause plantar fibromatosis. If you are concerned about any of those factors, you will want to quickly schedule an appointment to speak with your doctor.

Available Treatments

Once your medical doctor has officially diagnosed you with having plantar fibromatosis, you will need to begin to discuss your treatment options. It is important to know all of your options in order to make the best decision for your needs. You will also need to keep in mind that some treatments may work better than others for you depending on the size of the plantars and their location. Your doctor may decrease the amount of pressure that you are able to place directly on the plantar through the use of splints, arch supports, or heel lifts. This alone can shrink the size of the plantar fibromatosis. There is also the option of applying a verapamil gel to shrink it. Then there are the more invasive options which include surgery or cortisone injections. Each treatment may have side effects that you will need to discuss with your doctor. It will be up to him or her to determine if the benefits of the treatment would outweigh any possible side effects.

With all of those things in mind, you should feel much more confident about dealing with plantar fibromatosis. Make sure that you are consulting with your health care professional for additional information, a diagnosis, and a plan for treatment. Contact a company like Dupuytren's Disease Support Group for more info.